About

Drew Kelechi is an American author and producer. His works offer novel perspectives on several subjects including rocket science, aviation, and medicine. His books are part of the Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University bookstores. Drew Kelechi is originally from Baltimore, MD.

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"SHUT UP! Nobody Likes You" describes the trauma and difficulty Drew endured growing up. These experiences have encouraged him to speak about racial discrimination, as well as non-racial bullying. Childhood for Drew was a constant reminder that he was unwanted; the side of his family that detested the interracial marriage of his mother and father made this a certainty. Whether the occasion was a birthday, wedding, or Christmas, they mandated a "no children allowed" rule. Being the only child in the family at that time, the rule translated into "Drew isn't invited." In the meantime, Drew was ruthlessly criticized and mocked at the private school he attended for his lisp, spongy hair, and gapped teeth. Try as he might, he did not fit in with his cool, wealthy, chiefly Caucasian classmates. He endured the most excruciating of situations. For example, Drew would approach a cafeteria table during lunch and set his tray down, only for the entire table to unanimously rise to their feet and relocate to surrounding tables, laughing mockingly.

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Progressing through his teenage years, the psychological battery Drew endured from the various private schools he attended became so relentless that his parents seized the opportunity to send him to West Africa to finish high school. The hope was that he would not only learn his roots as he spent time with the other half of his family, but that he may also attain some degree of relief in school.

Things did not go according to plan.

While attending boarding school in Nigeria, Drew was beaten mercilessly on an almost daily basis by school bullies who resented his fair skin complexion. Racial slurs abounded.

Drew knows a thing or two about being the "odd man out."

Today, Drew encourages youth and adults to work towards seeing the good in one another. His motivation comes from his own life experiences. His talks touch on everything from healing divisions between different races, to bullying intervention strategies. Please contact Drew to arrange a presentation or discussion.

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